Pensacola’s Vilardi state tennis volunteer of month

Leslie Vilardi has been named the U.S. Tennis Association’s July 2014 Volunteer of the Month for her service to Pensacola elementary schools and her role in youth tennis.

Pensacola’s Leslie Vilardi has been named the U.S. Tennis Association’s July 2014 Volunteer of the Month for her service to Pensacola elementary schools and her role in youth tennis.
(Photo:
Special to the News Journal
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One of Leslie Vilardi’s early tennis memories was watching Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs face off in the Battle of the Sexes.

Riggs’ taunting and displays of machismo before his eventual defeat added to King’s legacy as an inspiration to young girls.

And that inspiration and dedication have culminated in Vilardi being named the U.S. Tennis Association’s July 2014 Volunteer of the Month for her service to Pensacola elementary schools and her role in youth tennis.

A tennis player since age 14, Vilardi has been active in coaching younger players through USTA Youth Tennis, particularly working with players 10 and younger.

“They are so excited and eager to play,” she said in a USTA Florida news release. “It is honestly one of my favorite things to do. I’ve learned all of the (skill) stations for the school programs and have volunteered in almost all of them. There is nothing like making kids smile, have fun and learn a new skill.”

Tara Dominguez, the USTA Florida 10 and under tennis coordinator for the Panhandle, first met Vilardi in 2007 when they ended up on the same team.

“She is the most consistent volunteer I have,” Dominguez said. “Anytime she can help me out, she can.”

And though Vilardi volunteers with other local organizations, including United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters, it is her lifetime of tennis that motivates her to further the sport among area youths.

“Growing the sport is important,” she said. “I love playing with the children and seeing the joy on their faces.”

A real estate agent by trade, Vilardi’s love of tennis motivates her to make time for the sport.

“I played in high school, in college intramurals, and on the USTA Adult League teams,” she said. “I currently play on a ladies league team in Pensacola. What I love about tennis is not just the competition or the exercise but also the social nature of the sport. I have met very good friends over the years on a tennis court. I am lucky to have a profession as flexible as my real estate career so that I can carve out time to give back to the community.”